There is potential embarrassment for the FA, however, given that it is hosting UEFA's Congress in London next week, and Europe's governing body will submit a resolution recommending that all member associations follow its lead on 10 matches.

Piara Powar, executive director of European anti-racism body FARE and a member of FIFA's new anti-racism task force, told Press Association: "As someone working across borders to promote anti-discrimination I think it's a shame it can't be the 10 games UEFA say they will implement in their own competitions and that they are recommending all national associations will adopt. It is a missed opportunity, and also a shame when the FA has already sanctioned a player, Luis Suarez, for more than five matches for racism.

"One of the biggest concerns is inconsistency and mixed messages. It's progress to have a minimum sanction, but sanctions for players appear to be made up on the hoof. Why is biting 10 games [the recent ban given to Suarez] and racism five games? Surely UEFA's 10-match ban should be the standard to follow."

Bernstein defended the FA's decision not to follow UEFA's lead, saying the five-game ban had been agreed by all parts of the English game including anti-racism body Kick It Out.

"From our point of view [the 10-match ban] has no subtlety to it. It should have subtlety to it," he said. "Any racism is unacceptable but there are different levels of offense. It's also a timing issue. We have been through an extensive process and have to get it approved through English football. It [UEFA's ban] came in right at the end of the process when we have spent months getting a consensus.

"But if European football says the line is in the wrong place then we may have to re-evaluate that."

Information from The Associated Press and Press Association was used in this report.